'A step backwards': Test great lashes talk of Peter Siddle Test call-up

16 December 2019 at 1:05 am

Shane Warne says recalling Peter Siddle for the Boxing Day Test would be a backward step for Australia, despite Justin Langer declaring the veteran quick an obvious choice.

Siddle's imposing form at the MCG makes him a strong contender to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood for the second Test against New Zealand.

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Australia are searching for at least one extra quick, with Hazlewood (hamstring) battling to be fit for the Sydney Test next month.

Mitchell Starc starred in Perth alongside Pat Cummins, while James Pattinson and Michael Neser are already in the 13-man squad.

"I'm a big fan of Peter Siddle, he's done a great job, he's a good guy to have around the group and he's still doing really well for Victoria," Warne said.

"But for me I think it's a step backwards if you go to Peter Siddle, even if it's just a stop-gap sort of thing.

"This is the perfect opportunity, you're one-nil up in the series, you're playing well, it's a great opportunity to get someone in the side, and I think Pattinson's one of the top few bowlers in Australia anyway.

Peter Siddle has been talked up as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, but Test great Shane Warne isn't sold on the idea, preferring James Pattinson. (Photo by Simon Cooper/PA Images via Getty Images)

"I'd get Pattinson straight in."

Warne said selectors had "missed a trick" by not giving an up-and-coming quick the chance to develop as part of the extended Test squad.

"I would've thought someone like Riley Meredith or Jhye Richardson, or one of those guys, would've been better to have in the squad, even just being around the group, than Peter Siddle," Warne said.

Langer aware of Siddle’s super Shield form

Siddle has taken 12 wickets at 15.16 in three Shield matches at the MCG this summer, form which hasn't gone unnoticed by Australia coach Langer.

"We've started to think about (a squad replacement for Hazlewood), the obvious one would be Peter Siddle actually," Langer said.

"He did a really good job in the Ashes, he's bowling very well for Victoria and it's at the MCG where he's played a lot of cricket."

Siddle said he is bowling as well as ever and would love a call-up at the MCG.

"I don't know why, but it's always a venue I have bowled well at," the 35-year-old told RSN.

"Who doesn't love playing at the 'G'."

While he said it would be great to earn a recall to the international fold, Siddle's focus is on producing good performances and taking wickets.

"I think the good thing with me over the last few years is I've gone away from worrying about selection, I just try to play good cricket," he said.

"It's just about trying to put in good performances for whoever I play for...

"We'll see what happens. If I get a phone call over the next couple of days, it would be good, it would be great."